Posted on Wednesday 3 March 2010
To the friends and members of Sparta Presbyterian Church
This past weekend was a blessing to the church in the celebration of the Gifts of Women. Carolyn Sprinkle, in her inspiring message, highlighted all the projects and work accomplished by our congregation and gave encouragement and praise for the many efforts of Sparta Presbyterian. When we reflect on what was said, there are many people responsible for the ministry of this church, and it is significant. In the end, I am always reminded that any credit for the work of the church belongs to Christ himself.
What I am saying is that Christ is in you and me. That was also demonstrated in the selfless way in which the men stepped up and provided the lunch. After several meetings and a number of discussions, the men all said, “We can do that!” And it was done with little fanfare. Setting up and cleaning up, provided great time for fellowship. Know that the women of this church are truly appreciated. We men intend on doing more to help and to be loving partners with our women in the work of the church.
As the Lenten Season moves along, I want to remind the church that on March 10th, we will be hosting the noontime Lenten worship and lunch at Sparta United Methodist Church. This is simply a reminder that we join with other churches throughout this holy season to share in our devotion to God’s saving grace in Christ. However, during Holy Week, we will be providing our own services at Sparta Presbyterian.
There will be a Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7:00 on April 1st, a Good Friday Service at 2:00 p.m. with the church open from 1:00 to 3:00 for individual prayer time, an early Easter service at 8:00, breakfast at 9:00 and the normal Easter Worship at 11:00. Holy Week will be a very special time and all of us will want to be a part of these special events.
As we think about the immediate future, we say farewell to Rich Miller, who will be doing special Perelli Training in Florida for three months. We will miss him and his willingness to be so helpful with all of our church activities. Rich has such a special relationship with horses, and we pray for his safe journey, successful training, and his return in the summer.
Don’t forget “Dancing with the Stars” to be held on Saturday night. George White and his daughter Lauren are among the stars who will help with this very important fund raiser. Come out and support. I think we are in for a great night. Karen Leyes is the real star of the show. Thanks Karen, for your superb leadership and dedication.
Many of you have been experiencing anxiety and stress with the weather and with the economy. Know that these are the concerns of your church as well. Along with the long winter, come other concerns, such as health and wellness. Let us lift one another in prayer. I want to mention Jean Reeves, our own angel of mercy, whose grandson, Johnny Livingston, is submitting to cancer treatments. There are many others in need of our prayers, and this is a discipline we must do during these Lenten weeks. The prospect of Easter is always filling us with joy and hope. May it be so for you!
A final word: this Sunday we will be dealing with the subject of temptation. We are reminded of this prayer in the Sixth Petition: “Heavenly Father, lead us into no situation where temptation might prove too much for us, but help us resist the evil power–so that we may remain Your children.” Amen
Pastor Bob Matthias